Israel’s Naftali Bennett opts for ousting Netanyahu

Capping weeks of speculations and rumors, Yamina leader Naftali Bennett announced yesterday in a televised address that he intends to join Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid to form a coalition. If indeed established, such a coalition would end more than two years of political deadlock, ousting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 consecutive years in power.

“The elections have proven there is no right-wing government under Netanyahu. There is unity or fifth elections. Netanyahu knows it well,” said Bennett. He then warned that the four election campaigns Israel has gone through in the past two years had caused the country to lose its ability to function. The country's leadership is "showing hate and divisions to cover up failures," he noted.

Addressing supporters of the right, Bennett said, “There is someone telling us that a right-wing government is just around the corner, and we [Yamina] are the ones who are preventing its formation. That is a complete lie. After four elections and two additional months we have all seen that there just will not be a right-wing government headed by Netanyahu.”

Bennett added, “At such a crucial moment responsibility must be taken. Therefore I am announcing today that I intend to act with all my strength to form a national unity government together with my friend Yair Lapid, so that, God willing, together we will rescue the country from this tailspin — and we will get Israel back on track. Yair and I disagree on a number of issues of substance. But we are partners in our love for the country and willingness to work for the sake of the country.”